West End Hotel, Kirkwall

Unlike almost every other bar in Kirkwall, this one is not obvious on both the ‘where is the building’ (not near any other pubs or indeed shops) and then, when you have found it, ‘where is the bar?’ fronts. To find the bar, you need to turn left at (likely unmanned) reception and up a flight of stairs, looking for the marked door on the left. It has been refurbished by the new owners – there’s a purpley tartan carpet, white walls and a nice carved wood fireplace. To the rear is a formal dining area that was doing decent business on our lunchtime visit and there’s access to a nice grassed beer garden (beer graden most definitely a rarity in Kirkwall). One ale, Scapa Special (warm – first one out for a while) and plenty of bottles, with friendly staff serving-up. It’s most definitely a hotel bar, but could be worth a look if you’re intending to eat with your pint. Fun fact – this place was originally the island’s hospital up to 1927! 5.5